Would you like to know the historical-artistic heritage of Seville from a different perspective? Can you imagine being able to enter the private residences of some of the most illustrious and powerful families in the city? Do you feel like admiring works of art, antiques, gardens and patios that will transport you to other times and cultures?
If your answer is yes, then you cannot miss the Seville Palace Houses Route, a unique cultural offer that allows you to visit three emblematic and representative palace houses of the city: the Casa de Salinas, the Palacio de las Dueñas and the Hospital de la Caridad. . In addition, we recommend four other palace houses that are also worth a visit: the Casa de Pilatos, the Palacio de Lebrija, the Casa de la Condesa de Lebrija and the Casa Fabiola-Donación Mariano Bellver.
What are palace houses?
Palace houses are historic buildings that were built or acquired by noble or bourgeois families to establish their residence and show their power and prestige. These houses are characterized by having monumental architecture, with decorated facades, stately doorways, towers, balconies and shields. Inside, they house halls, galleries, chapels, libraries and other rooms richly decorated with paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture and artistic objects. In addition, they have patios and gardens that create open and fresh spaces, where plant, architectural and decorative elements are mixed.
The Sevillian palace houses are the result of the fusion of different artistic styles that have left their mark on the city over the centuries. Thus, we can find examples of Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. We can also appreciate Arabic, Italian, Flemish and Oriental influences. These houses are living testimonies of Sevillian history, culture and society.
Why visit the palace houses of Seville?
Visiting the palace houses of Seville is a different and original way to get to know the city. Not only will you be able to enjoy its architectural and artistic beauty, but you will also be able to discover curious and interesting aspects about its owners, its inhabitants and its illustrious visitors. You will be able to learn what daily life was like, the customs, festivals and traditions of the Sevillian nobility and bourgeoisie. You will be able to admire unique art collections, which reflect the taste and personality of their owners. You will be able to feel part of the history and heritage of Seville.
Furthermore, visiting the palace houses of Seville is a way to support the conservation and dissemination of the historical-artistic heritage. Some of these houses are private property and are open to the public thanks to the efforts and generosity of their owners, who want to share their legacy with the citizens. Others are managed by public or private institutions that are responsible for their maintenance and restoration. All of them need the interest and collaboration of visitors to continue existing and showing their splendor.
Before continuing, if you are interested in knowing more about Seville and its historical-artistic heritage, we recommend that you visit our website at Smart Local Tours, a tourist services company that offers guided tours to the most emblematic places in the city of Seville.
On our website you can find a wide variety of tours in Seville, adapted to your tastes and needs. You will be able to get to know the most emblematic monuments, the most charming corners and the most fascinating legends of the city. In addition, you can count on professional guides who will make you live an unforgettable experience. Don’t hesitate and book your tour in Seville with Smart Local Tours. We assure you that you will not regret it.
The 7 Houses of the Palace of Seville
1. Pilate’s House
History and Architecture
Located in the heart of Seville, the Casa de Pilatos is an architectural testament to the mix of Italian Renaissance with Spanish Mudejar. This work began in 1483, promoted by Pedro Enríquez de Quiñones and Catalina de Ribera. Surprisingly, it was built on land confiscated by the Inquisition.
Responsibility for its design and construction fell primarily to Catherine after Pedro’s untimely death in 1493. Through the generations, this palace house was expanded and embellished, thanks to the vision of Fadrique Enríquez de Ribera and Per Afán de Ribera and Portocarrero.
Travel and Influences
Fadrique, after a trip to Jerusalem in 1518, became captivated by the Italian Renaissance. By incorporating these stylistic elements into the Casa de Pilatos, a unique architectural fusion was created that still fascinates its visitors today.
2. House of the Padilla
A Hidden Treasure
Located on the narrow Calle Verde in the San Bartolomé neighborhood, the Casa de los Padilla is an integral part of the historical heritage of Seville. Currently, it is a section of the Casa de la Judería complex. Although its exterior may seem simple, its interior is an explosion of beauty and tradition.
The internal patio, adorned with Renaissance columns and arches from different periods, highlights the Padilla family coat of arms, evidence of their power and wealth at the time.
3. Dueñas Palace
A legacy of Power and Beauty
The Palacio de Las Dueñas tells us stories of hostages and ransomes. Founded by the Pineda family, it had to be sold to Catalina de Ribera in 1484. Since then, it has been a symbol of the power of the House of Alba.
The name comes from the monastery of Santa María de las Dueñas, where nuns served queens and wives of kings. Its design combines Gothic-Mudejar with Renaissance, and the Andalusian patio stands out as the center of attraction.
4. Palace of the Countess of Lebrija
An Artistic Oasis
With its 2000 m^2, the Lebrija Palace is a monument to the vision of the Countess of Lebrija, who restored it in 1901. The ground floor houses an unparalleled collection of Roman mosaics and archaeological pieces.
Doña Regla Manjón, the Countess, was not only a restorer, but also a renowned academic figure, with multiple recognitions in the world of art and archeology.
5. Salinas House
Tradition and Renewal
The Casa de Salinas, located near iconic monuments of Seville, is a perfect combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar. Restored by the Salinas family at the beginning of the 20th century, today it looks splendid, showing its rich history and elegance.
6. House of the Mañara
From Splendor to Oblivion and Resurrection
Located on Levies Street, the Casa de los Mañara has seen everything: from being the home of the powerful Mañara family, to being converted into a barracks during the French occupation. After this time, a restoration was carried out to return it to its former grandeur.
7. Bucarelli House
Reflection of the Commercial Power of Seville
The House of the Bucarelli, an emblem of the 17th century, stands in the San Lorenzo neighborhood. Don Antonio de Bucarelli, attracted by the boom in trade with the Indies, built this architectural wonder, surrounded by important buildings and churches.
These seven palace-houses are just a sample of the historical and cultural wealth of Seville. Each stone, each mosaic and each hallway tell us stories of past eras, of power, of art and of the confluence of cultures that make Seville a unique destination in the world. When visiting them, you not only explore their architecture, but also live and breathe the history of Andalusia.